Bowling center and illuminated light panel therefore

ABSTRACT

A bowling center and light panel therefore includes a string of lights disposed between two sections of the center as for example between the approach section and a seating area. The light panel may be a separate element or may be disposed in an edge portion of one section. The light panel includes a longitudinally extending high density translucent polyethylene light receiving support member having a longitudinally extending groove and a snap-in cover. It also includes a plurality of lights disposed in the groove and under the cover. A source of electricity and controller are provided for illuminating the panel to provide one or more visual patterns. The panel is also constructed and dimensioned to withstand the impact of a dropped or lofted bowling ball and to provide a source of light on up to three sides thereof.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a bowling center and illuminated panel and more particularly to a bowling center which includes a separately illuminated area between an approach section and a seating area.

BACKGROUND FOR THE INVENTION

For many years, bowling centers and their proprietors have catered to two groups of individuals. The groups include league bowlers who bowl in competition and open bowlers who bowl for recreational purposes. The proprietors have also recognized a need to increase the number of open bowlers and to attract a more diversified groups of bowlers and/or appeal to a younger set.

To accomplish the above, variations on conventional bowling have been developed to entice more bowlers to a bowling center. For example, a number of bowling proprietors offer so-called “moon light bowling” by dimming the lights in the center while extinguishing the lights above the lanes entirely. A number of proprietors have also incorporated ultraviolet lighting to direct ultraviolet light on the lane surface and/or gutters and pins which have been treated to incorporate luminescent material as disclosed in a U.S. Pat. No. 5,888,142 of Perrier, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

A more recent approach to attract new bowlers to a bowling alley is sometimes referred to as disco bowling. In disco bowling light ropes are typically run along the bowling lane dividers to extend in parallel down the length of the bowling lanes. For example, the U.S. patent of Rechnagal et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,031,343 discloses a lighting system for a bowling alley wherein each lighting element of the system is independently controlled. The U.S. Pat. No. 6,031,343 patent is also incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

Another approach to attract new bowlers is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,274 of Widrick et al. which is directed to a bowling alley bumper system for providing visual effects and which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. As disclosed therein, a controller is provided for pulsing the lights along each of the bumpers to produce a “chase” or other visual effect. As disclosed therein a controller may also be used to regulate the illumination of the lights across adjacent alleys.

While the above-identified system and others are attracting new bowlers to bowling centers, they have not addressed a problem associated with low light level and flashing light bowling. For example, such systems have failed to address problems of a poorly lit or a dark area between an approach section and a seating area. Problems associated with this dark area are exacerbated in those centers where the approach section is elevated slightly above the level of the seating area and thus requires a step up onto the approach section.

Further it is presently believed that a light string which extends along the edge of the approach section will help bowlers orient themselves for an approach to a lane and provide unique visual effects when a string of lights is sequentially lit or illuminated in a pattern which is perpendicular to the bowling lanes.

In addition to the above, the flashing and/or constant illumination provides additional safety for bowling centers particularly when the approach section is elevated from the seating area. A further advantage of the present invention resides in the use of a unique design which can be used on alleys wherein the seating area is below the approach section as well as alleys in which the seating area is level with the approach section.

A still further advantage of the invention resides in a snap-in cover which facilitates installation and repair and provides a durable surface which can be routinely walked on and will withstand the contact with a droped bowling ball and which can be manufactured and sold at a competitive price.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In essence, a first embodiment of the present invention contemplates an improved approach section for a bowling center and/or a separate border at a rear portion of the approach section which is adjacent to and abuts the seating area. Bowling centers typically have a plurality of side-by-side bowling alleys which include one or more approach sections and a seating area behind and adjacent to the approach section, a plurality of lane sections and a plurality of foul lines which separate the approach section and the lane sections. The approach section typically includes a plurality of rectangular synthetic panels each of which has a generally horizontal longitudinal axis which is generally parallel with the lane sections. The approach section also includes a generally transverse axis which is parallel to the foul line and a third axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse axes. In a typical bowling center the approach section extends across a plurality of adjacent alleys. The approach section and/or separate border also includes illumination means for separately illuminating a portion of the approach sections preferably a rear edge thereof which separates the approach section and the seating area. Light receiving support means such as a longitudinally extending element for supporting the illumination means is also provided.

As contemplated, a bowling center in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention includes an approach section having a horizontal upper surface and an adjacent seating area behind the approach section. In this preferred embodiment of the invention, a separate longitudinally extending light receiving support means or border member is disposed between the approach section and the seating area along the backside of the approach section i.e., the farthest from the foul line. This light receiving support means or border member is perpendicular to the alleys. Independent illumination means such as a string of lights is disposed in a light receiving support means. In addition, the preferred embodiment of the invention includes means for illuminating each of the lights in a preselected pattern as for example sequentially along a line which is perpendicular to the alleys.

In addition, a snap-in translucent synthetic cover is provided which will withstand the frequent steps of bowlers and the contact of a dropped bowling ball without being damaged.

A further embodiment of the invention is directed to an illuminated light panel for a bowling center of the type having a plurality of side-by-side bowling alleys. Each of the bowling alleys include an approach section having a horizontal upper surface, a seating section, a plurality of lane sections and a plurality of foul lines separating said approach sections and said lane sections. In this embodiment, the improvement comprises a longitudinally extending high density translucent polyethylene light receiving support member. The support member includes first and second surfaces and first and second edges between the surfaces. The support member also defines a groove in one of the surfaces with the groove disposed relatively close to one of the edges. A plurality of lights are disposed in the groove and a snap-in high density polyethylene translucent cover is disposed over the lights. The light panel also includes means for maintaining the cover over the lights to thereby close the groove and wherein the light receiving support member and cover are capable of withstanding an impact by a dropped or lofted bowling ball without damage to the lights. The panel also includes means for illuminating the lights and means for controlling the illumination of the lights to thereby form a light panel which is capable of producing different visual effects such as a chase pattern and etc.

The invention will now be described in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals have been used to indicate like parts.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a bowling center in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top or plan view which illustrates a portion of a bowling alley according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a bowling alley approach section in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic end view which illustrates aa illuminated panel in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 a is an enlarged detail illustrating a beveled edge in FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 is an end elevational view which shows a border panel in accordance with an additional embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of the means for alternate or sequential illumination of lights between an approach section and a seating area in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a bowling alley 10 typically includes a longitudinally extending lane 20 which defines a flat horizontal plane on an upper surface thereof and which is typically made up of a plurality of parallel abutting strips of wood 22, 24. In more modern installations, the abutting strips have been replaced by a synthetic panel. The alley also includes a foul line 26 which extends across the lane 20 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lane. The foul line 26 indicates an area beyond which a bowler may not pass in releasing a bowling ball during a game of bowling. The area in front of the foul line is referred to as the approach section 23.

The details of an approach section are disclosed in a U.S. patent of Hixson, U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,624 which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. A typical bowling center also includes a seating area 21 directly behind the approach section and frequently in an abutting relationship therewith. As contemplated by the present invention, a border panel or light receiving support 33 is disposed between the seating area 21 and the approach section 23.

A pin deck 28 is disposed at the opposite end of the lane 20 and is adapted to receive a plurality of bowling pins 27 thereon. As shown, the bowling alley is set with the pins in a customary triangular pattern with one pin, the head pin in front, a second row of two pins, a third of three pins and a final row of four pins. A pin spotting mechanism or pin spotter 25 is disposed above the pin deck 28 in a customary manner.

A pair of longitudinally extending gutters 30, 32 are disposed along the sides of the lane 20 with one gutter on each side of the lane 20 in a customary manner i.e., adjacent to and in substantially abutting relationship with the lane. The gutters 30, 32 are adapted to received any balls that are bowled toward one side of the lane and to direct any misdirected balls to the end of the alley. Also illustrated are capping members 34 which separates two adjacent alleys.

A conventional pin spotter 25 (shown schematically) may be of any suitable design. One such design is disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 3,807,732 of Congelli, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. The bowling alley also includes a conventional ball return 29 (shown schematically). The ball return may for example take the form shown in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,582 of Edwards, entitled “Bowling Ball Lifting Apparatus.” A masking unit 31 is also shown schematically in FIG. 1 in a position which is generally above its normal position in order to illustrate the forward portion of the pin spotter 25.

As shown more clearly in FIG. 2, a plurality of bowling lanes 20 or lane sections are disposed in side-by-side relationship wherein lane #1 and lane #2 are separated by a pair of gutters (not shown). The lanes each include a gutter on each side thereof so that two gutters separate each of the bowling lanes from an adjacent lane. However, the space in between lane #1 and lane #2 is greater than the space between lane #2 and lane #3 in order to accommodate a ball return which is disposed thereunder i.e., below the lane surface and gutter in a conventional manner. With respect to the spacing between lane #2 and lane #3 the two gutters which separate the lanes are essentially abutting so that there is little or no space therebetween.

Each of the bowling lanes 20 typically include a graphic design on the upper surface thereof. For example, the rules of the American Bowling Congress call for a series of ten dots which are transversely arranged across the 41⅞ inch width of the lanes at a distance of seven feet from the foul line. A second series of seven dots are also disposed on the approach section at a distance of 1½ inches from the foul line.

A layout for a plurality of side-by-side bowling alleys which incorporate an approach section in accordance with the present invention, is shown in FIG. 2. As shown therein, the approach section includes a pair of rectangular synthetic panels 40 and 42. The first panel 40 is approximately twelve feet long and has a width of five feet. The second panel has a length of about six feet and a width of five feet. Each of the panels 40 an 42 are generally made of a high pressure laminate with suitable graphics on an upper surface thereof. An example of a suitable material is the HP&L material, which is available from AMF Bowling, Inc. of Mechanicsville, Va.

The panel 40 is positioned adjacent to and abutting foul line 26 and includes a series of seven dots on its top surface at each end thereof. The center dot which is ¾ inch in diameter is then aligned with a center dot which is in the center of each lane at a distance of 2⅜ inches from the foul line taken from the center of the dot to the center of the foul line. The remaining six dots which are ½ inches in diameter are arranged in a straight line across panel 40 so that they are aligned with the corresponding dots in the lane section of the alley.

In constructing a plurality of alleys, the so-called short sides i.e., the sides which are 28½ inches from the center of a lane abut one another between those alleys which are not spaced apart to accommodate a ball return. The opposite sides i.e., 21 inches from the so-called “center line” (an extension of the center of the lane section) do not abut one another but are separated by a filler strip 43 which makes up for the extra spacing for a ball return. The second rectangular panel 42 has a length of about four feet, a width of about five feet and like panel 40 is preferably symmetrical in a first direction and asymmetrical in a second direction at the time of manufacture and shipping. The second panel 42 includes a center dot on a top surface thereof. The center dot is preferably 2 feet 9⅝ inches from its forward and trailing edge and is aligned with the center dot on panel 40. Therefore when panel 42 in an abutting relationship to panel 40 the dot on panel 42 is 28½ inches from one side and 21 inches from the opposite side. It should also be recognized that the approach sections for the bowling alleys vary from one bowling center to another. These sections are for example from 15 feet to 18 feet. For this reason, one end of panel 42 is trimmed i.e., cut to fit the particularly alley. For example, the bottom portion of panel 42 shown in dotted lines may be removed during installation.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view which shows panels 40 and 42, 21 and 23 which are supported by a particle board base support 45 and a plurality of cross supports 47. An adjacent foul line 26 and a lane section 20 are also shown.

FIG. 4 illustrates a light panel 33 in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention. The light panel 33 is made of a naturally colored high density polyethylene resin and is adapted to fit between two sections of a bowling center as for example between the approach section 23 and seating area 21 (FIG. 1-3). As shown, the panel 33 defines a generally rectangular shaped end with a machined groove 50 in an upper portion thereof. A plurality of lights 52 as for example a string of lights is disposed in the groove 50. The panel 33 also defines a pair of inwardly directed beveled edges 53 and 54 which are constructed and dimensioned to maintain a snap-in cover 56 over the groove 50 and lights 52.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention the panel 33 has a height of about 5½ inches, a thickness of about one inch and may be manufactured in any length as for example eight feet. The groove 50 has a depth of about ⅞ inches and a width of about ⅞ inches. As shown in FIG. 4 a, the beveled edges 53 and 54 define an acute angle of about 10□ opening inwardly so that the narrowest distance between the beveled edges 53 and 54 are at the surface of panel 33.

The snap-in cover also includes a pair of outwardly directed beveled edges 57 and 58 and a thickness of about ⅛ inch. The snap-in cover also has a width of about one inch which corresponds to the distance between the inward extremes of the beveled edges 53 and 54 and forms a flush fit with the surface of the panel 33.

The panel 33 is also constructed and dimensioned to fit between a seating area 21 and approach section 23 in an upright position for those installations in which the approach section is raised above the level of the seating area. For centers with seating areas on the same level as the approach section, the panel 33 is installed flat i.e., on its side 33′ at the end of the approach section 23.

The panel 33 may also be installed between other sections of a bowling alley as for example along a capping member 34 which separates two alleys and extends along the length of the alleys. In such cases, an upper portion of a panel 33, about two inches from the top 35 and including the groove 56, extends above the capping member 34. In this way, the light panel projects light through the top and two sides of the panel i.e., through the naturally colored translucent snap-in cover and through the opposite side 33′ thereof.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is only applicable between an approach section 23 and seating area 21 and is constructed and arranged to be used between both flush and elevated approach sections as described above. In this embodiment, a single piece of high density polyethylene includes a luminescent material 59 integrally therewith or coated thereon. The luminescent material is then illuminated by a source of black light 61 which is directed onto the panel 33, as for example by a reflective portion of the light 61.

FIG. 6 illustrates a light string 60 which includes a plurality of lights or light bulb 62. The bulbs 62 are preferably spaced at about one inche on center. Means such as a controller 64 and power supply 66 illuminate the bulb 62 through the wire 68. The controller 64 may take the form of a timing circuit, oscillator circuit, sequence or computer, all of which are well within the skill of persons of ordinary skill in the art.

While the invention has been described in connection with its preferred embodiments, it should be recognized that changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the appended claims. 

1. An approach section for a bowling center of the type having a plurality of side-by-side bowling alleys each of which includes an approach section, a lane section and a foul line separating the approach section and the lane section, said approach section comprising: a generally rectangular synthetic panel having a generally horizontal longitudinal axis which is generally parallel with a lane section of said alleys, a generally horizontal transverse axis which is generally parallel to the foul line and a third axis which is perpendicular to said longitudinal and transverse axes, said panel extending across a plurality of adjacent lane sections, and a seating area adjacent to said approach section; independent illumination means for separately illuminating a portion of said approach section, and light receiving support means for supporting said illumination means between said approach section and said seating area; and wherein said generally rectangular panel includes an upper and a lower surface and an elongated groove along one side thereof between said approach section and said seating area and in which said plurality of lights is disposed within said groove.
 2. The approach section for a bowling center according to claim 1, in which said means for illuminating a portion of said approach section includes a plurality of lights disposed on one side of said generally rectangular synthetic panel.
 3. (canceled)
 4. The approach section for a bowling center according to claim 2, in which said plurality of lights is a rope light.
 5. The approach section for a bowling center according to claim 2, in which said plurality of lights are light emitting diodes.
 6. The approach section for a bowling center according to claim 2, in which said elongated groove is formed in said upper surface along one side of said approach section and which includes an elongated translucent cover over said groove to protect said plurality of lights.
 7. The approach section for a bowling center according to claim 2, in which said elongated groove is along one side of said section between said upper and said lower surface and which includes a translucent cover over said groove to protect said plurality of lights.
 8. The approach section for a bowling center according to claim 1, in which said means for illuminating a portion of said approach section includes a luminescent material, a source of UV light and means for directing UV light onto said luminescent material.
 9. The approach section for a bowling center according to claim 8, in which said generally rectangular synthetic panel includes an upper surface and said luminescent material is applied as a coating on said upper surface.
 10. The approach section for a bowling center according to claim 8, in which said generally rectangular synthetic panel includes said luminescent material incorporated therein.
 11. The approach section for a bowling center according to claim 6, in which said groove and said translucent cover each define a first and second beveled edge and wherein the beveled edge of said grooves are constructed and dimensioned so that said cover snaps into said groove and is maintained in place thereby.
 12. The approach section for a bowling center according to claim 7, in which said groove and said translucent cover each define a first and second beveled edge and wherein the beveled edge of said grooves are constructed and dimensioned so that said cover snaps into said groove and is maintained in place thereby.
 13. The approach section for a bowling center according to claim 2, which includes means for lighting said plurality of lights in a predetermined pattern.
 14. In a bowling center of the type having a plurality of side-by-side bowling alleys each of which includes an approach section having a horizontal upward surface, a seating area behind said approach section, a plurality of lane sections, and a plurality of foul lines separating said approach sections and said lane sections, the improvement comprising: a separate longitudinally extending generally rectangular light receiving support member having a generally horizontal longitudinally extending axis which is perpendicular to a plurality of alleys and a length which is greater than the width of said plurality of alleys, said panel separating said approach section and said seating area and having an upper surface which is flush with said upper surface of said approach section; independent means for separately illuminating a portion of said panel and further comprising a plurality of lights extending along a substantial portion of a length of said panel; and wherein said panel includes a longitudinally extending groove along one side thereof and in which said plurality of lights are disposed in said groove.
 15. (canceled)
 16. A bowling center according to claim 14, in which said lights are a rope light of incandescent bulbs.
 17. A bowling center according to claim 14, in which said lights are light emitting diodes.
 18. (canceled)
 19. A bowling center according to claim 17, which includes a longitudinally extending translucent cover which can withstand the impact of a dropped bowling ball over said grooves.
 20. A bowling center according to claim 19, in which said longitudinally extending panel and said translucent cover each define first and second beveled edges and which are constructed and dimensioned to snap together and to be held in place by said beveled edges.
 21. An illuminated light panel for a bowling center of the type having a plurality of side-by-side bowling alleys each of which includes an approach section having a horizontal upper surface, a seating section, a plurality of lane sections and a plurality of foul lines separating said approach sections and said lane sections, the improvement comprising: a longitudinally extending high density translucent polyethylene light receiving support member having first and second surfaces and first and second edges between said surfaces, said support member defining a groove in one of said surfaces and said groove disposed relatively close to one of said edges; a plurality of lights disposed in said groove, and a snap-in translucent high density polyethylene cover disposed over said lights and means for maintaining said cover over said lights to thereby close said groove and wherein said light receiving support member and said cover are capable of withstanding an impact by a dropped or lofted bowling ball; and means for illuminating said lights and means for controlling the illumination of said lights to thereby form a light panel which is capable of various visual effects.
 22. A light panel according to claim 20, where said light panel extends upwardly above said two sections so that said panel is illuminated on three sides thereof.
 23. A light panel according to claim 21, wherein said translucent high density polyethylene member is in its natural color.
 24. A light panel according to claim 22, in which said panel has a thickness of about one inch, a groove of about ⅞ inch depth and a cover about ⅛ inch thickness and wherein said groove is disposed about one inch below a top edge of said support member. 